Couple Wooden Ancestors Sculptures with Scarifications, Zela People DRC

Exceptional Zela Couple with shiny patina. The sculptured cap-like hairstyles are typical for the Zela, as are the ritual scarification's on the front and back of their bodies. Apart from the mutilation of the male's genitals, the statutes are in excellent condition; the Belgian Missionaries often did the mutilations after confiscating ritual objects.The 30,000 Zela live in the Katanga province of the DRC between the Luvua River and lake Kinsale and are neighbours of the Luba. The surrounding tribes influence their art, and they share similar types of carvings, themes, uses, and functions. They depict male-female couples representing the Primal Ancestors, a rare occurrence in Luba art. Compared to Luba art, their scarification patterns are placed more randomly, and the figures are generally squatter but with proportionally longish torsos.